Bayern Munich launched their UEFA Champions League campaign with a confident 3-1 win over Chelsea on September 17 at the Allianz Arena. The German giants looked sharp and focused from the first whistle, with Harry Kane grabbing a decisive brace and Jamal Musiala adding a stylish third. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer gave the visitors a lifeline, but their hopes faded quickly after Marc Cucurella was shown a red card, tilting the momentum firmly in Bayern’s favour.
From the moment Bayern Munich settled into their rhythm, Harry Kane looked like a man on a mission. The English striker opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish, sliding in to convert a low cross after Bayern carved open Chelsea’s backline. His second came just before halftime, a thunderous strike from close range after clever interplay with Musiala.
Kane’s movement and composure under pressure underscore why he has become the heartbeat of Bayern’s attack. Whenever Chelsea’s defenders lost sight of him, he punished them, proving yet again that he thrives on the big stage.
While Kane handled the finishing, Musiala brought the flair. The young German playmaker danced through Chelsea’s midfield, gliding past challenges with ease. His goal, Bayern’s third, was a thing of beauty: a perfectly timed run, slick footwork, and a precise low shot tucked into the far corner.
Musiala’s creativity not only stretched Chelsea’s shape but also gave Bayern an extra dimension going forward. Every time he got on the ball, the Allianz Arena buzzed, and it felt inevitable he’d make something happen.
Despite the defeat, Chelsea weren’t pushovers. Palmer’s strike midway through the first half gave them a spark, and for a brief spell, the visitors matched Bayern’s tempo. Their transitions were quick, and their pressing unsettled Bayern’s backline more than once.
But the game shifted when Cucurella was sent off early in the second half. Down to ten men, Chelsea lost their structure, and Bayern seized control. After the match, manager Enzo Maresca admitted Bayern’s experience was decisive but stressed his side’s bravery, saying the game would serve as a crucial learning curve for his youthful squad.
Beyond the goals, the game featured some intriguing one-on-one duels. Michael Olise impressed on his Champions League debut for Bayern, constantly probing Chelsea’s defence with sharp dribbles and clever passes. His link-up play with Kane and Musiala hinted at a potentially lethal trio for the rest of the campaign. For Chelsea, Cucurella had been lively before his dismissal, pushing forward aggressively and helping to break up Bayern’s attacks.
His red card was a turning point, but his early contributions showed Chelsea’s intent to go toe-to-toe rather than sit back. Bayern Munich’s 3-1 win was a statement, not just about their quality, but about their hunger to reclaim European glory. Chelsea left Bayern Munich disappointed but far from disheartened, knowing this experience could harden them for the battles ahead.
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